Stand by your son: The story of Lopez Lomong's mom

Any mom would be proud to see her son compete in the Olympic Games, but I can’t help but think that for Barb Rogers -- the woman who, together with husband, Rob, adopted Lopez Lomong -- the experience must be especially moving.

At age 6, he was abducted by the Sudanese People’s Liberation Army. For weeks, he was locked in an unsanitary hut with little food. Many boys cooped up with him died during the night.

But with the help of three older boys, Lopez managed to escape and flee to Kenya. He spent the next 10 years in a refugee camp -- before finding a new home with Barb and Rob in the United States.

In his book, "Running for my Life," Lopez credits Barb and Rob not only with helping him secure a college education, but regularly attending all his running events -- a degree of parental support that he says his fellow competitors did not enjoy.

He went on to represent the United States at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing and, most recently, in the 5,000-meter race in London.

He also founded his own nonprofit -- the Lopez Lomong Foundation -- and is currently partnering with World Vision to bring clean water, healthcare, education, and nutrition to children who desperately need it in his homeland.

How does Barb feel about all this? I phoned her shortly before she departed for London to cheer Lopez on.

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It must be a nail-biting experience watching Lopez compete with the best in the world, right?

It’s difficult to watch, but I would not miss it. There’s always a moment of anxiety when you see them come out of the tunnel, and he’s there, lined up with the other competitors. You just hope you have a good view wherever you are sitting -- you want to be able to see it all.

Adopting a “Lost Boy” must have been a difficult decision. What made you do it?

We had one son who graduated high school in 2000, so we were empty-nesters for a bit. We considered different things we could get involved in. My husband happened to see the notice that they were looking for foster parents for “Lost Boys” of Sudan.

I was not really interested, but Rob said, “Well, go to the meeting.” I went to the meeting -- and I don’t know how you could come out of there and not be interested. They tell you the circumstances of these children, and I felt that if we don’t help these kids, I’m not sure who is going to.

What was it like when Lopez first came into your home?

He did not wear any of the struggle on his face or on his body. It wasn’t at all obvious. He was just someone who came to us and now became part of our family.

Right away, he clicked with us -- he clicked with everyone -- and it was a great experience. But as we warmed up to each other and heard some of his stories, it was just overwhelming to understand what he had gone through.

Understanding Lopez’s trials and seeing his triumphs must have put you on an emotional roller-coaster. How have you coped?

My heart was always breaking, but he would continue to have good results -- positive outcomes. We would learn something new, like that his [natural] mother might still be alive. We were hoping that that was true, and then when it came to be true -- oh, my goodness. How wonderful.

In his book, Lopez mentions your support in attending all of his running events. Were you trying to compensate for the difficulties Lopez experienced in his early life?

I’m not sure we were compensating. I wanted him to know that no matter what, we will always be there to support him. It does not matter if he succeeds or if he fails; we will always be there for him. It makes a difference if someone is there, rooting for you.

Were you and your husband into sports before you knew Lopez?

We were not real sports people. We followed the local Syracuse University basketball team, and we watched the Super Bowl -- but that was more for the party and the good food [laughs].

What’s the biggest lesson Lopez has taught you?

I don’t have any bad days, because I see what other people go through in their everyday lives in Africa and so many countries. If I have a flat tire, it’s just part of my adventure of the day. I am not entitled to a bad day. I have people who I know love me and surround me and are good influences on my life.

In what way have Lopez’s experiences shaped the person he is today?

I know he realizes how difficult it is for others when they don’t have the choices and opportunities that he now has. I think that’s why he is trying to make a difference and help others. Some people want to be known for the sake of being known. That’s not where he is at; that’s not his drive.

Support Lopez Lomong -- and his vision to help others -- in four different ways:

Tune in Saturday. Watch Lopez as he competes in the men's 5,000-meter final this Saturday, August 11. Check your local listings to see when your station will be broadcasting his race.

Make a donation. Lopez has partnered with World Vision through his initiative, "4 South Sudan," to bring help and hope to his native land of South Sudan through interventions like clean water, nutritious food, education, and healthcare. Your gift can help make Lopez's efforts a success.

Buy a t-shirt. A portion of the proceeds of each t-shirt sold through the GIVEN™ collection will go toward assistance for the people of South Sudan.

Run a race. Sign up to run with Team World Vision. As you train for a race and ask others to make donations on your behalf, you'll help communities in need in South Sudan through Lopez Lomong's 4 South Sudan initiative.

Comments

This is a very inspirational summery and we trust and pray that many suffering children in African and around the world,would by God's grace receive and have this kind of plate form also to be transformed. Lopez is an inspiration to his adopted family,his country and the world. Wishing him all the best.

I loved the book, sure changed my way of thinking, I cried through most of it. The whole community is so proud of Lopez, he is an inspiration to all. The family who raised him have made a real difference I would love to meet them. Maybe someday. Jo Anne Nixon